Area Council elections

Mirza Ahmed is volunteers with us to support refugee and migrant communities through caregiving, translation, and service navigation. A member of the Migration Advisory Group, he brings strong community insight and is passionate about empowering youth voices, inclusion, and supporting settlement with dignity and compassion.

Mirza is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Amar Bhattacharya began his Red Cross journey as an Asylum Seeker Support Volunteer. He currently serves as a Meals on Wheels driver. With extensive leadership experience across government, corporate, and council sectors, he brings proven capabilities in budget management, strategic growth, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. Amar is motivated to strengthen member engagement across Auckland and contribute at the national level to ensure sustainable, inclusive humanitarian work for the future.

Shirin Brown is a long‑standing Red Cross member on Waiheke Island, actively supporting branch activities and community preparedness. She brings extensive governance experience from local board and environmental leadership roles, alongside strong communication and community engagement skills, and is committed to strengthening branch and community outcomes through Red Cross.

Richard Casey is a Meals on Wheels volunteer, supporting community wellbeing for over two years. He brings a strong commitment to service alongside extensive business and marketing experience, and is motivated to contribute at a governance level to support members, branches, and volunteers across the Northern Area.

Alison Feeney is an active Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer in Auckland South and Co‑Chair of the Red Cross Sustainability Network. With experience in emergency response, sustainability, and community engagement, she brings strong communication, project management, and governance skills, and is motivated to connect volunteers, partners, and initiatives to strengthen Red Cross impact. 

Anita Keestra is a Meals on Wheels volunteer and an active participant in training and branch activities. She brings strong governance, leadership, and community engagement experience, with a background in education, economic development, and volunteer service. Anita is motivated to support volunteers, strengthen connections across branches, and contribute to meaningful humanitarian impact. 

Alyson Maioha has been involved with New Zealand Red Cross for eleven years. During this time, she had served as Treasurer for the Whangarei and Kaitaia Branches. With a professional career spanning over 40 years with NZ Post, including roles as Retail Business Manager and Mail Centre Leader across Northland, she brings strong financial, operational, and leadership experience. A Financial Mentor with the Whangarei Care Centre and Trustee for three family trusts, Alyson is motivated to uphold the Fundamental Principles instilled in her from the beginning and to honour the legacy of those who shaped her Red Cross journey.

Julie Segi has been involved with New Zealand Red Cross for more than five years. She has been actively involved in Pacific forums and focus groups, and in promoting the Good and Ready programme across schools and social platforms in South Auckland. Julie works as a Community Facilitator in adult education, focusing on digital literacy and mental health and wellbeing, and is a Community Liaison at a primary school in Manurewa. She also holds leadership and governance roles across the community, including Pacifica Inc. Northern Region Vice President, board member for the Pride Project in Clendon, and a member of the Manurewa Community Network steering group. Passionate about supporting Pacific and Māori communities, Julie is committed to advocating for whānau and is excited to contribute to the Area Council to support both local and national community needs.

Thanuksha Abeywardana is a New Zealand Red Cross member in the Midland Area with a strong commitment to community‑focused humanitarian action. She brings extensive academic and professional experience in strategy, policy, and governance, and also volunteers with Civil Defence Emergency Management. Thanuksha is motivated to strengthen local resilience through inclusive, values‑driven leadership.

Sara Ahmad is a dedicated advocate with a profound commitment to humanitarian work shaped by personal experiences as a former refugee receiving vital support from the New Zealand Red Cross. With a background spanning volunteer retail, refugee settlement, translation, youth mentoring, and community outreach, she brings strong governance, advocacy, and relationship-building skills. Holding a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business from the University of Waikato, and currently serving at the Waikato Students' Union, Sara is motivated to amplify diverse voices, strengthen volunteer engagement, and foster inclusive communities to advance the Red Cross's humanitarian mission.

Sara is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

John Evans has been a New Zealand Red Cross member since 2018, founding and leading the Community Relief Team in Taranaki, which became the Taranaki Disaster Welfare and Support Team in 2019, and has since been actively involved with DWST teams across both Taranaki and Waikato. A former Taranaki Area Councillor, he brings strong leadership and emergency response experience, and is motivated by a belief that Red Cross is more relevant than ever in an increasingly fractious and disaster-prone world, with a drive to grow Red Cross's reach and ambition to support more communities both locally and overseas.

Muhammad Yasin Khan is dedicated to strengthening community wellbeing, resilience, and inclusive participation through meaningful service. He brings extensive academic and professional experience in Clinical Psychology, with over seven years supporting children, adolescents, and adults across clinical and educational settings. Yasin has led multidisciplinary teams, developed large‑scale workforce wellbeing programs, and organized community initiatives promoting mental health and inclusive education. With strong leadership, program development expertise, and a deep commitment to community wellbeing, he is motivated to make a positive impact.

Glynis Longhurst has been a Disaster Welfare Support Team volunteer with New Zealand Red Cross since 2020, contributing to emergency responses and fundraising. As a Restorative Therapy Practitioner, she brings a compassionate, people‑centred approach, strong leadership, and crisis response skills, supporting community wellbeing with care, dignity, and compassion.

Shanti Ralm is driven by a deep personal connection to community service shaped by her own experience immigrating to New Zealand as a youth. She served as a Refugee Support volunteer for Red Cross and brings valuable expertise in community service, communication, and bilingual engagement, and is motivated to serve in a more strategic and impactful capacity to support those from vulnerable and displaced backgrounds

Diana Rodda is motivated to support communities and amplify diverse voices. She brings strong, people‑centred experience from her work supporting individuals and whānau in Waikato, and is passionate about inclusive governance, youth participation, and meaningful community connection aligned with Red Cross values.

Brydon Sundgren joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2023 as a youth member and attended the National Youth Hui. This encouraged him to continue his journey with the organisation. Brydon has served as Youth Area Councillor and a National Council member. He brings strong skills in project delivery, financial management, and strategic planning. Brydon is motivated to advocate for younger Red Cross members and volunteers and firmly believes that strong governance requires diverse representation to effectively serve communities at a national level.

Brydon is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Diane Turner has been a New Zealand Red Cross member since 2026 and brings extensive emergency management and governance experience from senior regional and local government roles. She has worked closely with Red Cross in response and recovery, and currently serves on a community foundation board, contributing strong leadership, policy, and advocacy skills to support resilient, connected communities.

Arnold Andrews is a long‑standing New Zealand Red Cross member and former Upper South Area Councillor, now based in Manawatū‑Whanganui. He brings extensive governance and board experience, strong business and leadership capability, and a passion for empowering volunteers, strengthening branch engagement, and supporting effective, community‑led Red Cross impact.

Arnold is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Jennifer Beaven first joined the New Zealand Red Cross as a Meals on Wheels driver. She then, actively participated in branch meetings, Area Council secretarial duties, and community activities. She brings strong leadership, organisation, and empathy skills developed through a career as a primary school teacher specialising in literacy support and special educational needs. A dedicated Te Reo learner and passionate humanitarian advocate, Jenni is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering open communication across branches, and ensuring every member feels valued in service of vulnerable communities.

Andrew Cameron is a long‑serving New Zealand Red Cross member with 21 years’ involvement and 13 international humanitarian deployments across nine countries. A Florence Nightingale Medal recipient, he currently serves on the National Council and brings deep operational, governance, and health expertise to support members, volunteers, and Red Cross leadership.

Tobias Gregory is the Training Officer for the Hawke’s Bay Disaster Welfare and Support Team and the Youth Councillor for the East West Area Council. A Red Cross member since 2023, he brings emergency response experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for youth voice, preparedness, and volunteer engagement across the region.

Tobias is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Felicity Jansonious-Bidois is a passionate advocate for humanitarian work and social justice. With a Master's in social work and a professional background spanning youth engagement, mental health, child protection, emergency management, and international development, she currently serves as a local government advisor focused on community wellbeing and equity. As a board trustee and Alternate Welfare Manager for emergency management, Felicity brings strong governance, strategy, and stakeholder engagement skills, and is motivated to foster inclusive decision-making, amplify Rangatahi voices, and strengthen volunteer engagement in service of the Red Cross's humanitarian mission.

Ali Muhammad brings strong personal and professional connection to New Zealand Red Cross, having previously worked as a Settlement Youth Worker in Palmerston North. With lived refugee‑background experience, he offers strong relationship‑building, cultural competence, and a passion for amplifying youth voice and supporting diverse communities through inclusive, values‑driven leadership.

Ali is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Karen Laurance actively engaged with the New Zealand Red Cross through the New Plymouth Branch Committee and Disaster Welfare and Support Team, where she has been a fully deployable member and driver since August 2023. With extensive governance and management experience drawn from roles including Justice of the Peace since 2005, and leadership positions with the Waitara RSA Charitable Poppy Trust, Taranaki Masonic Trust, and New Plymouth Red Robin Club, Karen brings strong community leadership skills and is motivated to keep branches connected, uphold the Red Cross's Fundamental Principles, and lead by example.

Claudia Mason is a New Zealand Red Cross volunteer whose journey began at the Kilbirnie Red Cross Shop in Wellington, and who has since relocated to Levin where she remains active in the local Red Cross Shop and Committee. With community involvement extending to Health and Safety for the local Forest and Bird Branch, and a personal commitment to learning Te Reo and Spanish, she brings a grounded community perspective and a dedication to local engagement. Claudia is motivated to ensure the Levin community is represented and heard at the area level.

Katie Pocock is a Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer who joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2025. With a background in psychology and mental health, she brings empathy, creative problem‑solving, and emerging disaster response experience. Katie is particularly passionate about youth engagement, community wellbeing, and supporting Red Cross’s humanitarian mission.

Katie is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Maral Arab joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2019 as a Refugee Support Volunteer in Nelson, later serving on the Central Area Council in Wellington. She brings strong leadership, cultural awareness, and compliance skills, and is committed to inclusive, community‑led humanitarian action.

Helen Corrigan was appointed to the Central Area Council in August 2025 and supports Red Cross activities across the Central Region. She brings over 20 years’ international and cross‑cultural experience, strong community involvement, and a commitment to supporting refugee and migrant communities.

Steve Dunstan is a Refugee Support Volunteer in Masterton and has served on both the Central and National Councils. He brings strong governance and refugee resettlement expertise from senior government roles and is passionate about supporting confident, valued volunteers and community wellbeing.

John Kenney-Good has been part of New Zealand Red Cross for over a decade. He began as a Refugee Support Volunteer and later supported local Red Cross groups in Greytown, Masterton, and Martinborough through initiatives such as Meals on Wheels, hospital visitation, and fundraising. John brings experience in the governance of various charities and are deeply committed to the Red Cross principles of humanity and impartiality, reflected in both local community work and global humanitarian responses.

Paula Martin joined Red Cross as a Meals on Wheels volunteer and since July 2025 has served on the Red Cross Central Area Council. With a career spanning central government, Crown entities, academia, and the not-for-profit sector, she brings extensive experience in strategy, governance, senior management, policy, and research. A board member of Age Concern Kapiti and advocate for renal patients and organ donation, Paula is motivated to connect with Red Cross members, deepen her understanding of the organisation, and contribute her governance and leadership strengths to its long-term success. 

Lauren McInnes began her journey with New Zealand Red Cross more than five years ago as a Refugee Support Volunteer. She later transitioned into governance through the former National Board initiative aimed at engaging young people in leadership. Deeply aligned with Red Cross values, Lauren brings expertise in design thinking, community engagement, and sustainability, which she applies to strengthen inclusive and forward-looking approaches within the organisation.

Lauren is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Melanie Taylor brings over 20 years’ public service experience across New Zealand and the UK, spanning governance, strategy, operations, and emergency response. She offers strong judgement, systems insight, and a values‑driven commitment to supporting Red Cross leadership, community resilience, and effective crisis response.

Adi Tiwari is actively engaged across Porirua, Wellington, and Kāpiti through youth and community initiatives. She works in youth development, co‑leads a youth‑led organisation, and brings strong governance, partnership, and engagement experience. Aditi is committed to inclusive participation, strengthening volunteer networks, and values‑driven leadership aligned with Te Tiriti and Red Cross principles.

Adi is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Benjamin Wynyard-Terry brings experience in governance, diplomacy, and public policy, with a strong commitment to humanitarian values and upholding mana. He holds a Master of Strategic Studies and has governance experience with Taranaki Whānui, contributing strategic insight, risk awareness, and values‑led leadership to strengthen resilient, connected communities through Red Cross.

Emily Bradley-Parrish works as a Governance Adviser at Nelson City Council. She brings governance and emergency management experience, values transparency and accountability, and is committed to partnership‑based, community‑focused leadership aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Red Cross mission. 

Nathan Hume is a long-standing Red Cross volunteer with an experience of over 15 years across roles such as Youth Representative, Councillor, Training Officer, and DWST Team Leader. He brings broad experience in deployments, training, and cross-regional collaboration. Nathan is motivated to uphold the Fundamental Principles, strengthen governance, and continue building the strong leadership that guides the work of New Zealand Red Cross.

Janet Jamieson is a long‑standing New Zealand Red Cross member and Meals on Wheels volunteer on the West Coast. With decades of experience in emergency care, volunteering, and governance, she brings strong judgement and a continued commitment to community wellbeing and service through Red Cross.

J oanna MacLean brings over four decades of experience with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, having first joined New Zealand Red Cross in 1978 as Assistant Director of Youth. Her distinguished career includes senior roles with the IFRC across Southern Africa, the Caribbean, and Myanmar, where she served as Head of Delegation, alongside expertise in development, training, International Humanitarian Law, and international advocacy. Now retired and returned to New Zealand, Joanna is motivated to apply her extensive global knowledge to support her local community and contribute to New Zealand Red Cross at both local and regional levels.

Leonie Renton is a longstanding New Zealand Red Cross member of the Hokitika Branch since 1992, with active involvement across the Annual Appeal, emergency preparedness, Meals on Wheels, and local community events. With previous Area Council experience and community roles including the Hokitika Dramatic Society and Soroptimist International of Westland, she brings a wealth of community engagement experience and is motivated to encourage Red Cross branches to connect meaningfully with their local communities and address their unique needs. 

Peter Spreadborough is a Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer in Nelson and a committed community volunteer. With extensive humanitarian experience from Australian Red Cross and 18 years with the United Nations, he brings strong emergency response, logistics, and coordination expertise, and is motivated to strengthen connections and regional impact across Te Tauihu through values‑driven governance.

Kaia Stewart is a recent Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer. With a strong background in youth advocacy and leadership, she brings energy, communication skills, and a commitment to amplifying youth voice, supporting preparedness, and strengthening community connection through New Zealand Red Cross.

Kaia is one of our young Red Cross leaders. 

Brandy Alger is a long‑standing Christchurch Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer and current National Councillor. With five years’ DWST experience, Civil Defence involvement, and PhD research in natural hazard preparedness and community engagement, she brings strong sector insight, values‑driven leadership, and a commitment to empowering communities and elevating local voices.

Brandy is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Lavina Anderson has been a dedicated New Zealand Red Cross member for over 30 years. Based in Christchurch, she serves on the Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) and has supported major responses, including the Canterbury earthquakes, flooding events, and Cyclone Gabrielle. She is active in community events and fundraising, works as a teacher aide, and volunteers regularly with New Zealand Police. Lavina brings a wealth of experience in working with people from all backgrounds and has organised many successful fundraisers. Passionate about listening to the concerns and feedback of members and branches, Lavina is eager to contribute to making a positive change as an Area Councillor.

Lesley Dixon began volunteering with Red Cross following the Christchurch Earthquakes, working at community events, listening, supporting and sharing with local people, solutions and resources for their needs. Lesley served as the first Māori Vice President of the Public Service Association (PSA) and the Tuakana of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina. She brings decades of experience in leading campaigns on trade unionism, indigenous rights, and equity. She is a mental health worker and a dedicated voice for Māori and Pacific workers in Aotearoa.

Casey Glover has had over 15 years of New Zealand Red Cross involvement across Southland and Canterbury, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the humanitarian cause. Currently employed by local council, he brings a comprehensive understanding of local governance, community engagement, and organisational oversight, and is motivated to ensure the Red Cross mission is effectively carried out across the Canterbury region while offering broad support and coordination across New Zealand Red Cross.

Casey is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Lynette Milne is a long‑standing New Zealand Red Cross volunteer with over 11 years’ experience, including 10 years as a Meals on Wheels coordinator in Christchurch. She brings strong volunteer engagement, coordination, and people skills, and is passionate about supporting inclusive, connected volunteering and strengthening Red Cross’s community impact.

Bishnu Pokhrel joined New Zealand Red Cross in 2021 as a member of the Migration Advisory Group (MAG), where he contributed to discussions on community needs and provided advice to the Board. He is a Justice of the Peace and a registered social worker with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, supporting people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Passionate about serving his community, Bishnu is committed to making a positive impact and is particularly motivated to work on initiatives that directly improve people’s lives as an Area Councillor. 

Jill White is a New Zealand Red Cross member with a background as a former employee across roles in Meals on Wheels coordination, administration, and the Contact Centre before retiring in 2012, and has since continued volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver, fundraiser, and Field Days participant. With a career spanning banking at BNZ and Westpac, and leadership roles as President, Secretary, and Treasurer at the New Brighton Rugby and Netball Club, she brings strong organisational, financial, and relationship-building skills. Currently President of the Canterbury/Westland Amputees Society and a Neighbourhood Patrol volunteer, Jill is motivated to re-engage with Red Cross members, establish new connections, and contribute her experience to achieving shared goals.

Stephanie Ladbrook is an active Refugee Support Volunteer started in late 2024. Professionally, she is an educator with experience teaching diverse, multicultural classrooms. Raised in a family committed to volunteering, Stephanie has supported initiatives such as fostering children, reading to the elderly, and teaching drama. With a strong sense of justice and appreciation for diversity, further shaped by her experience in a Te Reo Māori immersion class, Stephanie is passionate about empowering individuals and making a meaningful impact in her community.

Shenjian Li is a Refugee Settlement Support Volunteer in Dunedin, providing settlement and community integration support to refugee families. A PhD candidate in Finance at the University of Otago, he brings strong analytical skills, frontline empathy, and a commitment to youth engagement, inclusive governance, and informed regional decision‑making in support of the Red Cross mission.

Shenjian is one of our young Red Cross leaders.

Jane Nicholls is a New Zealand Red Cross member and volunteer at the Dunedin Red Cross Shop. She brings senior leadership experience from the education sector, with strong skills in strategy and operations. Jane is committed to supporting volunteers, strengthening local impact, and contributing thoughtful, equity‑focused governance to Red Cross.

Steffan Rolfe is a New Zealand Red Cross member since 2005, with long-standing involvement in emergency management teams and Red Cross Youth programmes. With a varied professional background spanning digital health software testing, adventure tour guiding, wholesale grocery, and tourism, he brings a broad range of practical skills and perspectives. Steffan is motivated to contribute his experience to guide and enhance the Red Cross movement across his area.

Suzanne Smith has served as a co‑opted member of the Southern Area Council since July 2025 and brings long‑standing Red Cross experience as both a former staff member and volunteer. With a background in teaching, fundraising, and International Humanitarian Law, she offers strong institutional knowledge, community connection, and a deep commitment to Red Cross values and youth wellbeing.

Geoffrey Tompkins has been involved with New Zealand Red Cross since 2004, which includes 16 years with Dunedin Disaster Welfare and Support team and eight years as Deputy Team Leader. A recipient of NZRC Honorary Life Membership in 2020, Geoffrey brings over 40 years of academic administrative and committee experience as an honorary faculty member at the University of Otago and is motivated to contribute his extensive governance and leadership expertise to the continued success of the Southern Area Council.

Mallory Wood joined New Zealand Red Cross as a DWST member in Invercargill and has been an active contributor since then. She is drawn to the organisation through a strong personal alignment with the seven Fundamental Principles and a deep commitment to giving back to her community. With a Master of Emergency Management and a current role in Health Sector emergency management, she also volunteers with Southland LandSAR in roles spanning Vice-Chair, Projects and Fundraising, and operational IMT membership. Mallory brings strong skills in leadership, communication, community engagement, and stakeholder relationships, and is motivated to ensure the Southern Area has a strong voice and representation.